Deficiency of Calcium in lakes leading to Aquatic Osteoporosis

Researchers have identified a biological shift in many temperate, soft-water lakes in response to declining calcium levels after prolonged periods of acid rain and timber harvesting. A plague of “aquatic osteoporosis” is spreading throughout many North American soft-water lakes due to declining calcium levels in the water and effecting the survival of some organisms. The reduced calcium availability is effecting the survival of aquatic organisms who needs high calcium and promoting the growth of nutrient-poor, jelly-clad animals. The research has found that when calcium levels are low, the water flea Daphnia, which needs high calcium, becomes less abundant. Importantly, this important species is being replaced by its competitor jelly-clad.